The Model Government Program is a student-driven simulation of state government and political activities, which involves almost 800 Missouri youth in grades 8-12.
Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles and register appropriately with YIG. After meeting within their local delegations, students gather at Regional Training Conferences for more specific program training. All of this training and preparation culminates with the annual State Convention.
At the YIG State Convention, students create their version of state government under the guidelines of the Missouri Constitution. All YIG participants in Missouri come together for this three-day event at the State Capitol. Legislators meet in committees and in the House and Senate chambers to debate legislation. Attorneys try their cases before student judges and engage in a moot trial competition. The entire event is covered by a student newspaper, published four times in three days, and by a student television news program that airs several times each day. Participants also engage in campaigns and elections for officers who will serve during the following year.
Below is a listing of these programs. Click on the name of each program to learn more about it.